A Covington police lieutenant who testified at a former officer's misdemeanor simple battery trial earlier this month has been placed under investigation by the department, Covington Police Chief Tim Lentz confirmed. The investigation of Lt. James Beach is related to his testimony at Nicholas Harper's trial, Lentz said.

A judge found Harper guilty of one count of misdemeanor simple battery at a one-day trial June 4. Harper was accused of using a Taser on shoplifting suspect George Davis Jr. three times while he was in a holding cell at the Covington Police Department.

Beach, a defense witness, testified that he was Harper's supervisor at the time of the incident. He testified that he saw Harper use a Taser on Davis the first two times and that he thought Harper was justified in both instances.

When questioned by Assistant District Attorney Jack Hoffstadt, Beach admitted he told Harper to "light him up." Beach said earlier in his testimony that he told Harper to use a Taser on Davis.

Lentz said Beach was given notice that the department was launching a 60-day investigation last week. Beach will remain on duty during the investigation.